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Dear Friend,
I wanted to share a quick follow-up with some important updates as
we continue to dig out across Ward 6. I know the last week has been
incredibly difficult and frustrating, and I appreciate everyone’s
patience as crews push to restore basic services. You can also watch
my latest video.
The Biggest Update: Trash Collection Is Resuming
-
 Front-side (curbside) collection
begins tomorrow morning at 6 am (that's Saturday, Jan.
31):
- If your household normally gets Monday front-side trash
collection, put your trash and recycling bins out front by 6 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 31, for pickup tomorrow.
- If your household normally gets Tuesday front-side trash
collection, put your trash and recycling bins out front by 6 a.m.
Sunday, February 1, for pickup Sunday.
- This weekend, DPW will be working to clear pathways for alley
collections – this work will take place into the evening sometimes.
Assuming that goes well, alley trash collections are expected to
resume Monday.
- Until crews are fully caught up, trash and recycling may be
temporarily comingled to speed up service.
- Crews are also bringing in additional equipment that allows
sanitation workers to walk into alleys and prioritize collection where
trucks still cannot access.
The goal is to return to more regular service for both alley and
front-side collection by early next week, with an update Sunday based
on weekend progress. You can track DPW's status here.
Bus Stops & Pedestrian Access
- The National Guard has been tasked with helping clear pathways to
bus stops to speed up access for riders.
- DDOT and DPW continue coordinating with WMATA, and additional
contractors are focused specifically on bus stop clearing.
No one should have to stand in the street to catch a bus, and I
will keep pressing until this is resolved.
Sidewalk Snow Removal
- Sidewalk snow removal requirements for residents and businesses
will be enforced again, starting Monday, beginning with education
before fines are issued. The weather is expected to improve next week
and rise above freezing, which will be a good time to get out and
break through the ice and get sidewalks clear.
- DPW will also make salt available for pickup to help residents
address icy conditions.
What to Expect Next
- I want to manage expectations: I don’t expect this plan to go
perfectly, and there will likely be delays. But I want to be
transparent about what’s underway and what crews are doing to get us
back toward regular service.
- Sunlight and slightly warmer temperatures early next week should
help crews make faster progress.
- Snow removal and hauling continue, starting in the downtown core
and moving outward into neighborhoods.
- If you see problem areas, please continue reporting them to 311,
which the city is using to generate priority maps for crews.
My team has continued to share streets that need plowing with DPW.
A reminder from the Mayor's latest announcement: The city will not dig
out your car.
I know this has been a challenging week, but I do want to offer
thanks to the many District government employees, volunteers,
teachers, and residents who have put in a lot of hard work to get dug
out, clear Metro stations, get students back in school, and get our
city back in order. We aren't there yet, but it's important to
recognize that a lot of people are putting in long hours or making
sacrifices at home to help out.
Thank you for looking out for one another and for staying in touch
with my office.
Charles Allen
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